TEK TALK TIDBITS

Computer insights by Ed Collins 

Apple’s third quarter report issued July 24 was a mixed bag, according to stock market analysts. Profits declined 22 percent due to heavy competition from Samsung smartphones but the sale of its iPhones was up 51 percent domestically, and even better in Japan at 66 percent from a year ago. Apple’s latest version, iPhone 5, was released last fall. There are rumors of releasing another iPhone upgrade this fall, along with a bare-bones economy model mainly for overseas sales. In announcing the quarterly results, CEO Tim Cook said, “For Apple, our key catalyst would be, always will be, new products and new services.” After several years of updating existing products, consumers are hoping Apple personnel will pay heed to Cook’s remarks and announce “the next big thing” this year.

Whose that guy with the funny glasses?

Forty people in the Chicago area are participating in Google’s Glass Explorers Program, and about 2,000 nationwide. More field-testing will take place later before the product’s release sometime in 2014. It’s costing applicants $1,500 each to test the computer glasses using voice commands, a stem touchpad that the user can tap or swipe, and of course the tiny computer display just above the right eye to read posts, emails, surf the web, or check the latest news. Yes, the testers say they draw lots of attention when out on the street, but it’s a rare privilege for them to pioneer the use of such a unique devise.

PCWorld to switch from print to digital publishing

After 30 years in print, another popular computer magazine has bit the dust. PCWorld has ceased publishing its print edition with the July issue and will be converted into an online digital publication. If the publication’s 339,000 print subscribers want to receive the digital edition they will need to register online at its website. It’s archrival PC Magazine converted from print to digital in 2008. However, IDG Inc., owned by Time, says it will continue to publish Macworld, its sister publication, in print – at least for the time being. 

Desktop computer business fades against tablet strength

The sharp drop in sales of desktop computers in contrast to booming tablet sales is placing more tech workers in the unemployment line, according to an international workforce consultant. Chicago-based Challenger, Gray & Christmas found through surveys that in April through the June quarter of this year the nation’s tech companies indicated they planned to lay off nearly 24,500 workers, a 144 percent jump from the previous first quarter of this year. US companies who make most of the desktop computers and components such as Hewlett-Packard and Dell bore the brunt of the layoffs.

Google offers new upgraded Nexus 7 Android tablet

Google has come up with a new version of their Nexus 7 tablet that is built by Asus.

It’s slightly thinner and lighter version than their previous 7-inch screen model and will be the first device to run on the new Android OS version 4.3. This model also offers parental controls, and an improved hi-def display with surround sound stereo speakers. The Nexus 7 will be in stores in early August selling the 16GB at $229 for the Wi-Fi only, and $269 for the 32GB model. Another 32GB version is available at $349 that offers Wi-Fi plus 4G LTE cellular capabilities compatible with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless carriers.    

Chinese Army accused of US cyber-spying

Twenty Chinese Army cyber-spying groups have been identified by a US cyber-forensics firm as responsible for hacking into the computers of more than 115 U.S. companies and business organizations since 2006. They suspect there are many more still undiscovered. Adam Vincent, CEO of Cyber Squared alleges that many of these security invasions have been masterminded by no less than top-secret tech units of the People’s Liberation Army of China. They were created to spy and steal business patents, inventions, and other critical business secrets. Vincent said many operate out of a 12-story office building in Shanghai trolling daily for technical, financial and U.S. governmental informational and secret data. Chinese officials obviously deny such charges, and counter that it’s the U.S. that spies on them. President Obama has said that international cyber-spying has become very prevalent internationally and has instructed governmental agencies and businesses to tighten up online security to avoid potential hacks.